Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
(NOC 2231)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyCivil engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals, or may work independently in fields like structural engineering, municipal engineering, construction design and supervision, highways and transportation engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering and environmental protection. They work for consulting engineering and construction companies, public works, transportation, and other government departments and in many other industries.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 48% of Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $59,141. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$21.50
Minimum$29.74
Median$41.59
MaximumAnnual Pay
$14,733
Minimum$46,694
Median$80,356
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Civil engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals, or may work independently in fields like structural engineering, municipal engineering, construction design and supervision, highways and transportation engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering and environmental protection. They work for consulting engineering and construction companies, public works, transportation, and other government departments and in many other industries.
Job duties
Civil engineering technologists:
- Develop engineering designs and drawings from preliminary concepts and sketches.
- Prepare construction specifications, cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports.
- Supervise or conduct field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings, and structures to provide data for engineering projects.
- Conduct or supervise inspection and testing of construction materials.
- May supervise, monitor, and inspect construction projects.
Civil engineering technicians:
- Help develop engineering specifications and drawings.
- Participate in field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings, and structures to provide data for engineering projects.
- Perform other technical functions in support of civil engineering activities.
Sample job titles
- agricultural engineering technician
- civil engineering technician
- civil engineering technologist
- construction engineering technician
- environmental technician
- land use technician
- road traffic technician
- soil testing technologist
- solid waste disposal technician
- structural engineering technician
Skills
You should enjoy technical work and mathematics, and have an interest in science. A high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical ability may be necessary. You must be precise, analytical, and able to work alone or as part of a team. Good spoken and written communication skills are important. Familiarity with computers is also required. Physical stamina may be required for fieldwork.
Job requirements
- A two- or three-year college program in civil engineering technology or a closely related discipline is usually required for civil engineering technologists.
- A one- or two-year college program in civil engineering technology is usually required for civil engineering technicians.
- Certification in civil engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
Other considerations
There is movement to related roles like drafting technologists and technicians and construction inspectors and estimators. Movement to construction supervisors or construction managers is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Public administration
Construction
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Utilities
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$57,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$17,488 median annual incomeBachelor
$28,901 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$45,270 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$35,348 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Civil Engineering Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of civil engineers engaged in designing and executing public works projects such as highways, dams, bridges, tunnels and other facilities. They include courses in site analysis, structural testing procedures, field and laboratory testing procedures, plan and specification preparation, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Engineering Technology - General
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in a wide variety of projects. They include courses in various engineering support functions for research, production, and operations, and applications to specific engineering specialties.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.